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Kushina Uzumaki took the seat beside Chihiro, her crimson hair catching the light.
After sitting down, she quickly sensed that something felt off.
A strange tension hung in the air. Several students were casting subtle, judgmental glances toward her—and more pointedly, toward Chihiro.
Masada Hayabusa clapped his hands. "Alright. Let's begin today's lesson."
As the class began, Kushina Uzumaki found herself occasionally peeking at Chihiro.
To be so thoroughly avoided by everyone... he must have a rotten personality, right?
But the more she observed, the more confused she became.
He didn't seem cruel or arrogant. In fact, his features were striking, and not in an intimidating way his face held a calm, quiet dignity. He focused intently on the lesson, following along without causing any disruptions.
He hadn't laughed at her during introductions either. That, alone, made her feel oddly grateful.
Why is someone like him being isolated? she wondered.
Kushina sighed quietly. Now wasn't the time to worry about others. It was her first day in Konoha. She'd been plucked from Uzushio, her home, and transported to a strange new place under tight security. Then, right after entering the classroom, she was mocked for her red hair.
Her future here was already off to a rough start.
Meanwhile, Chihiro was trapped in a mix of curiosity and anxiety.
He'd definitely noticed Kushina sneaking glances at him.
She must be wondering why no one's around me, he guessed. Maybe she thinks I'm contagious or cursed.
Then she sighed.
Chihiro flinched slightly.
What does that mean? Does sitting next to me already make her tired of me?
But that didn't make sense. Kushina had just arrived in Konoha. She shouldn't know anything about his reputation.
Strange…
Still, Chihiro didn't have time to puzzle over it because something far more important was happening.
He had finally done it.
He had witnessed the moment Kushina Uzumaki officially joined the Academy.
[Witnessed: The arrival of a key figure, Kushina Uzumaki. +50 Witness Points.]
[You now have 100 Witness Points. System activation conditions met. Would you like to activate the system?]
His heart pounded.
Finally…
"Activate."
At once, a translucent panel appeared in front of Chihiro's eyes, overlaying his vision like a HUD.
Startled, he darted a glance at Kushina beside him.
She was daydreaming, propping up her head on her hands, gazing blankly at the blackboard.
No reaction.
Nor did the other students show any signs of seeing what he saw.
Chihiro exhaled softly. So the system interface was visible only to him, just as he hoped.
Now, his status page opened:
> [Name: Chihiro]
[Bloodline: Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan]
[Kekkei Genkai: None]
[Chakra Level: One-fifth of Sharingan-state Hatake Kakashi]
[Ninjutsu: E-Rank – Three Body Technique (Clone, Substitution, Transformation)]
[Genjutsu: None]
[Taijutsu: Basic shurikenjutsu, D-Rank hand-to-hand combat]
Chihiro stared blankly.
One-fifth of Kakashi with Sharingan? That's either good news… or utterly useless if I can't use it right.
He scrolled further and located the "Exchange Shop" button.
Clicking it revealed a catalog so massive, it nearly gave him whiplash: techniques, kekkei genkai, bloodlines, forbidden arts even absurd things like the Harem Technique.
Then, the system spoke again.
[Note: If the host lacks compatibility for a technique or ability, the Witness Point cost will increase fivefold. When witnessing a major event, the system will present three random reward options, including some outside the Shinobi world.]
Chihiro narrowed his eyes.
"So if I don't have both Wind and Water chakra natures, getting something like Ice Release would cost me five times more Witness Points?"
[Correct. With prerequisite chakra natures, standard price applies. Now, as this is your first activation, you may choose one of the following three gifts:]
Reward 1: Awaken the Sharingan (Double Tomoe in both eyes)
Reward 2: Thunder Breathing Forms I–VII + Lightning chakra nature transformation
Reward 3: Devil Fruit: Float-Float Fruit (side effects removed; user can swim)
Chihiro studied the list carefully.
The Float-Float Fruit? That's from another world. Sure, it lets the user levitate and move objects, but what practical use does that have in a shinobi warzone?
He dismissed Reward 3 outright.
As for the Sharingan, its perception boosts and genjutsu potential were tempting.
But unlocking the Uchiha dōjutsu now would surely draw attention, especially since he was already being watched.
He tapped his fingers against the desk.
Sharingan can wait. I need something they've never seen coming…
Because Chihiro possessed the bloodline of the Uchiha clan, it was uncertain whether he could naturally awaken the Sharingan through emotional stimulation as other Uchiha did, such as Sasuke and Itachi, but at the very least, purchasing it through the Exchange Shop meant the Witness Points would be at standard cost, since it matched his lineage.
Still, what if he awakened the Sharingan himself in the future?
What Chihiro lacked most right now was an immediate power boost a reliable way to strengthen himself beyond the standard Academy curriculum.
And among the three options, Chihiro felt that the complete set of Thunder Breathing sword forms aligned well with his situation and temperament.
He recalled a saying from another world:
A new blade for every season. A cool blade for every season.
What drew him most, however, was the chakra nature and form transformation of Lightning Release something that even elite jonin like Kakashi took years to master.
For a boy like Chihiro, whose training within Konoha was currently limited to the basic Three Body Techniques and rudimentary taijutsu, it would be a massive leap.
"System, I choose Reward 2!"
[Would the host like to receive the reward now?]
Chihiro raised an eyebrow. "What happens if I accept it right now?"
[The host does possess Lightning Release chakra, but lacks the ability to manipulate its form and nature. To compensate, the system will temporarily assume partial control of the host's body to demonstrate Lightning Release chakra transformation.
Simultaneously, all Thunder Breathing sword forms will be transmitted to the host's memory and physically simulated through the body to ensure complete mastery.]
Chihiro panicked slightly and waved it off: "Don't activate it here!"
[The reward will be stored in system space. The host can choose to receive it at any time.]
He exhaled with relief. If the system suddenly made him perform high-speed sword forms and chakra shaping techniques in the middle of class, he might've triggered a panic or worse, a report to the Hokage's office.
But knowing that he had access to a full Thunder Breathing style and Lightning Release nature transformation gave Chihiro a rare sense of control in his otherwise uncertain life.
He didn't plan to suppress his strength.
There was no point in pretending to be weak, sneaking around waiting to show off later.
That was never his style.
The looming threat of the Third Shinobi World War meant he needed to grow stronger quickly, and Konoha its missions, politics, and battles was his primary source of Witness Points.
Besides, Chihiro didn't share the pretentious habit of hiding his talents only to later humiliate others with sudden displays of strength. He had no desire to act the part of the underdog who pulled off a dramatic reversal.
Stronger ninja earned better treatment in Konoha. Strength was currency. And if he didn't stand out, he'd keep being ostracized and ignored, just like now.
Still, exposing everything all at once would be reckless.
The elders of Konoha people like Danzo, or even Hiruzen Sarutobi were known for their paranoia and manipulation. If they saw too much, too soon, they might mark Chihiro as a threat.
Power had to be revealed carefully, in layers.
Chihiro swallowed his excitement and settled in for the rest of the lesson, making plans to receive the reward quietly at home after class.
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